Obama Hits the Campaign Trail, Attacks Trump on Corruption and Iran Ahead of Midterms

With the November 3 vote only ten days away, Barack Obama held rallies in Cleveland and Detroit on Saturday to energize Democratic voters. Trump has urged Americans to treat the midterms as if he were on the ballot, and Obama took him at his word. In Michigan he backed Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who faces Republican Mike Rogers in a tight race, and gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson. He called the election a circuit breaker that can rein in foolishness and bring accountability to the government.

Obama Accuses Trump of Corruption and Selling Favors

Obama said he has never seen a president so skilled at grifting on the public’s dime or so eager to sell favors, adding that the Republican Party now seems to stand for corrupt, inept or absent government. His attack lands as an August poll found 63% of Americans believe Trump and his family have inappropriately profited from cryptocurrency, while 69% think his private business dealings shape his policy choices. The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

Obama Mocks Trump’s Iran Strategy and White House Style

On foreign policy, Obama ridiculed claims of victory against Iran, arguing the war handed Tehran more economic leverage. He said Iran now holds a veto over the Strait of Hormuz, since its threats to shipping have rattled oil exporters. He also joked that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is focused on the jawline and testosterone levels of troops, and called the White House renovations tacky.